Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Easy Lemon Roasted Asparagus

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This recipe, Easy Lemon Roasted Asparagus, is so dang easy that I almost didn't post this recipe. I thought: what's the point in posting a recipe that takes 10 to 15 minutes and all of 5 ingredients, including oil, salt and pepper - really, is that even exciting at all? Then I thought: Heck yes, it's exciting! Because this simple, no fuss, minimal ingredient way of making asparagus is by far my favorite way to enjoy asparagus. Besides, isn't that the point of having a food blog, to share … [Read more...]

Skinny Ranch Dip

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With Memorial Day coming up at the end of the month - you know, that three day weekend when everyone thinks they are going to have a party in their backyard or a picnic, but then it always rains (okay, at least here in the Midwest it does) - I thought it was the perfect time to share my take on Skinny Ranch Dip. Because, let's be honest, is it ever any kind of spring/summer party without a veggie platter served with creamy, dreamy ranch dip? About a year ago I shared my Cashew Ranch Dip which … [Read more...]

Pea Soup (V + GF)

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Happy spring, friends! I know that I keep mentioning spring, but it truly excites me - like little girl giddy excited. Besides doesn't the post of this title, Pea Soup, just sound like spring? And that gorgeous bright green color! I can barely handle it. As you know, I cannot survive cold weather without some warm soup. Even though it is officially spring and the sun is shining, the grass is green, the birds are chirping, we can still have some chilly days. Seriously, Mother Nature, … [Read more...]

Garlicky Mashed Root Veggies

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I'm sure you guys are aware of the mashed cauliflower trend to replace mashed potatoes for a low carb option. BTW they are delicious; you should make some, but IMHO mashed cauliflower doesn't replace mashed potatoes. I'm sorry, it never will; mashed potatoes are fluffy clouds of bliss that can only truly be made by using the one and only starchy potato. Most people feel that the same applies to mashed root veggies. Let's get one thing straight here: I did not make these Garlicky Mashed Root … [Read more...]

Gluten Free Cornbread Drop Biscuits

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  Sometimes you just want a flaky, buttery biscuit that tastes just like the ones you get in the South. There's one problem: you're allergic to wheat or you're sensitive to gluten, or you have celiac disease, or you are serving these biscuits to a loved one who has one of these issues and must avoid wheat and/or gluten. Or you're like me and run a food blog that focuses on gluten free baking, not because you have a problem with wheat or gluten, but because you have several family and … [Read more...]

Winter Kale Salad

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Hi everyone, welcome to 2016! I can hardly believe we're here already! It takes me about 2 months to get used to speaking/writing a different year. Please tell me I'm not alone on this! Of course, leave it to me to share a healthy salad on the first day of 2016. So cliche and typical. Listen, I am simply trying to help you stay healthy and on track for 2016! You're welcome. If you're anything like me, you will not want to touch desserts for about a million years after overindulging on … [Read more...]

Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce

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Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a few short days away? Are you excited? I am looking forward to cooking without taking pictures, spending time with family and friends in Wisconsin, and of course eating a lot of food. Paul and I are being a little crazy this year; we are getting up early on Thanksgiving morning to run a 5k at 7 am. Yes, I do agree, we’re crazy. Especially for wanting to run outside in the cold Wisconsin November weather. Guess what, … [Read more...]

Healthier Stuffing

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I don’t know what it is about stuffing at Thanksgiving time that is so appealing. Don’t get me wrong, I love the stuff too, especially when it’s drenched in my mom’s homemade turkey gravy aside some freshly cooked turkey meat. But let’s just think about what stuffing is for a moment. It’s some dried or toasted bread that has been soaked in chicken broth and baked in the oven with some spices and a few veggies. Somehow it is magically enticing and one my favorite Thanksgiving side … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Scalloped Potatoes

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The Halloween decorations are coming down, all of the Halloween candy has been devoured, and with that the Holiday season has officially begun. Ready or not, here it comes! Is it too early to start planning Thanksgiving recipes, you ask? The answer is a big fat NO! Thanksgiving is only 3 short weeks away. Although I have yet to host a Thanksgiving feast of my own, being a food blogger, I know that recipe planning is a must for any stress-free cooking week. The same goes for Thanksgiving; I mean … [Read more...]

Roasted Sweet Potato Fig Soup with Crunchy Chickpeas

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As a food blogger I get inspiration and ideas for recipes from all sorts of places, but eating out at restaurants is a huge one. If I order something I really enjoy I immediately begin to think of how I can re-create it at home. It’s a blessing and a curse, because I have to resist the work-mode-trance when it’s a Saturday and we’re supposed to be relaxing. This is when my trusty phone comes in handy. I make a note of my ideas and then it’s out of my head, but the recipe idea is there on my … [Read more...]